Global Safety and Security

Global Safety and Security was created by Emory Global Engagement to support the safety and security of Emory international travelers and global activities. ​

Global Safety and Security focus areas

  • Global safety and security risk management and crisis response
  • University standard-setting for safe international travel and global programs
  • Departmental consultation and pre-departure briefings

Contacts

Alma Reynal Quintanilla

Sr. Program Coordinator for Global Safety and Security

Sarah Harlan Zegeye

Sr. Associate Director of Global Services

International Travel Restrictions (policy 10.18)

The Emory-Sponsored International Travel Policy (10.18) establishes rules and requirements for Emory-sponsored international travel. Emory University reserves the right to restrict or prohibit Emory-sponsored international travel. Restrictions to Emory-sponsored international travel will be listed here.

Updated: June 27, 2025

  1. Faculty and Staff: Travel to Israel or Iran requires review from the Executive Travel Safety Committee followed by the review and approval of the traveler’s dean or unit head.
  2. Graduate and Professional Students: Travel to Israel or Iran requires review from the Executive Travel Safety Committee followed by the review and approval of the traveler’s dean. 
  3. Undergraduates: Travel to high-risk destinations requires review from the Executive Travel Safety Committee followed by the review and approval of the traveler’s dean.

High-risk destinations are defined as those subject to any of the following:

  • U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Level 3 or higher
  • U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) trade or economic embargo
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Level 4 Travel Health Notice, or similar advisory
  • International SOS "Extreme" Medical or Travel risk rating or similar advisory 
  • Updated June 27, 2025 – Middle East conflict high-risk destinations: Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, the West Bank and Gaza, and Yemen

Executive Travel Safety Committee (ETSC) Review

Requests can be submitted by the traveler or by others on the traveler’s behalf. Following review, the ETSC will advise the submitter as well as the associated dean or unit head of their recommendation. 

For ETSC review, submit the following to global@emory.edu with the subject line “ETSC Review: [Sponsoring Emory school or unit] [Country(ies)] [Dates of travel]” :

  • The names of all proposed travelers and their Emory affiliation (e.g., ECAS)
  • For students: A letter of support from their faculty advisor or the unit sponsoring the travel
  • The reason for the proposed travel (e.g., conference, research, study abroad experience, etc.)
  • Itinerary information, including expected trip dates, planned destination(s) [cities, countries], and anticipated activities
  • An explanation of why the proposed travel is essential and the steps taken to mitigate its potential risks

Executive Travel Safety Committee & Emory’s International Travel Policy

Emory-Sponsored International Travel Policy (10.18) defines the Executive Travel Safety Committee (ETSC), which is comprised of the Vice Provost for Global Engagement, the Executive Director of the Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR), and the General Counsel, or their designees, and others as deemed appropriate by the President.

Please contact the Global Safety and Security unit in Emory Global Engagement with any questions.

Emergency Response

In case of emergency while traveling, seek local assistance as applicable and contact International SOS as soon as possible at 1-800-523-6586 or at +1-215-942-8226. See international contact numbers here.

Other points of contact for emergencies while abroad are:

Non-emergency points of contact while abroad:

Pre-departure briefings

Emory faculty and staff with plans to travel internationally are invited to contact Global Safety and Security for a 30-minute briefing on travel safety and security as well as an overview of the resources available to Emory travelers. 

Contact Alma Reynal Quintanilla at alma.reynal.quintanilla@emory.edu to schedule a briefing. 

International SOS

Emory contracts with International SOS to provide security and medical evacuation services, and a variety of online health, safety, and security resources for the university community traveling abroad on university business or sponsored activities. 

International SOS can help you find a medical facility and assist with other medical and security concerns. Medical and police services overseas can vary widely. Consult with International SOS in advance of your travel to understand how local medical and police resources respond to emergencies and whether and how travelers should engage those resources. 

Learn more about International SOS services available to Emory faculty, staff, and students.

Medical emergencies

Through Emory's medical and security assistant provider, International SOS, faculty, staff, and students on Emory-sponsored international travel (Emory business, study abroad, research, etc.) now have emergency evacuation and medical insurance while traveling overseas.

This is emergency medical insurance offered by Emory University where services and coordination of benefits are initiated by contacting International SOS. A separate medical card is not needed for proof of coverage, only your International SOS card (available here) and membership number #11BYSG000003.

For all medical incidents, please ensure International SOS is contacted immediately. Learn more about International SOS here, and view the International SOS card here to find international contact numbers and the QR code to download the International SOS Assistance app.

In case of emergency while traveling, seek local assistance as applicable and contact International SOS as soon as possible at 1-800-523-6586 or at +1-215-942-8226. They can help you find a medical facility and assist with other medical and security concerns. Medical and police services overseas can vary widely. Consult with International SOS in advance of your travel to understand how local medical and police resources respond to emergencies and whether and how travelers should engage those resources.

Evacuation services

Depending on the nature and severity of the emergency, International SOS will provide assistance for an emergency evacuation from an international destination.

Travel alerts

You can find the latest information on destination-specific and worldwide travel alerts on the U.S. State Department website.

Emory also recommends that all travelers consult International SOS, the university's international emergency assistance provider for all members of the Emory community who are traveling overseas. International SOS also provides the latest information on travel risks. Travelers can also sign up for medical and security alert emails for their destination through International SOS. 

Local law enforcement and detainment

Please note that regardless of your citizenship, you are subject to local laws while traveling abroad, and your rights as a U.S. citizen may not extend to you outside the United States.

If you are detained by law enforcement, customs or immigration officials, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, as well as Emory’s emergency contacts (see Emergency Response above). If you are detained by political activists or terrorists, comply with their requests. International SOS and diplomatic resources will work to secure your return.

Health needs

Review immunization needs well in advance, allowing enough time for certain vaccines to take effect. The Emory’s TravelWell Clinic is a great resource for Emory faculty and staff. 

Through Emory's medical and security assistant provider, International SOS, faculty, staff, and students on Emory-sponsored international travel (Emory business, study abroad, research, etc.) now have emergency evacuation and medical insurance while traveling overseas.

This is emergency medical insurance offered by Emory University where services and coordination of benefits are initiated by contacting International SOS. A separate medical card is not needed for proof of coverage, only your International SOS card (available here) and membership number #11BYSG000003.

For all medical incidents, please ensure International SOS is contacted immediately. Learn more about International SOS here, and view the International SOS card here to find international contact numbers and the QR code to download the International SOS Assistance app.


Travelers should maintain their primary health insurance policy while traveling, in addition to being familiar with its global benefits and coverage for care outside the US. Learn more about the Emory Employee Aetna plan here. 

Faculty, staff and students traveling internationally on Emory business or sponsored programs can be reimbursed up to a maximum of $2,000 for incurred COVID-19 quarantine costs. Documentation will be required, therefore keep all receipts. Please contact Kevin Wysner in the Office of Insurance Services to receive the claim form to request reimbursement.

Safety resources

U.S. Department of State International Travel

Emergency Assistance

Hotel Safety

Road Safety

Liability Waiver

A liability waiver must be signed by any student embarking on Emory-sponsored travel abroad. If your program does not already have a program-specific waiver that has been reviewed and approved by Emory’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC), the form found at the link above can be used. Any changes made to this form, beyond filling in trip-specific information in the blanks provided, must be submitted to Global Services, who will obtain OGC review. This form is updated periodically, so please check back whenever planning a new trip. Completed waivers should be provided to an appropriate administrative official at the student’s school.

Educational Resources

Graduate Student International Travel Health and Safety Pre-Departure Training Module

This training is designed to help graduate students prepare for Emory-sponsored global experiences and research. The course has been designed to be completed in approximately 1 hour and it includes a small number of knowledge checks that you can re-take as many times as necessary to pass the section. Once all sections of this course have been reviewed and all knowledge checks completed, you will be awarded a badge of completion in Canvas, and a customized certificate that can be shared to proof the course completion.

If you have any questions, contact Alma Reynal Quintanilla

View in Canvas

International Travel Preparations Guide

This guide provides an overview of typical international travel planning preparations for Emory personnel. Contact Alma Reynal Quintanilla with any questions about this guide.

Emory faculty and staff with plans to travel internationally are also invited to contact Alma for a 30-minute briefing on travel safety and security as well as an overview of the resources available to Emory travelers.

Please login with your Emory NetID and password to view.

View in Canvas

Travel Awareness Briefing (60 minutes)

This webinar provides an overview of safety and security considerations for travelers. Guidance is provided on reducing personal risk as well as responding to security threats. Examples of topics covered include: research and preparation; cultural factors; financial security; hotel, taxi, and ground transportation considerations; and active shooter response. This webinar was designed with staff travelers in mind, but includes guidance, tips, and insights helpful for all.

Please login with your Emory NetID and password to view.

View in Canvas

Student Travel Awareness Briefing (22 minutes)

This webinar provides guidance on staying safe while traveling. It discusses, for example, pre-travel preparations as well as tactics to reduce personal vulnerability while in transit and abroad. In addition, it provides guidance on how to respond to security threats, such as active shooter situations. This webinar was designed for students but is a helpful resource for all travelers.

Please login with your Emory NetID and password to view.

View in Canvas

Traveling to and Working in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Every spring, travel preparedness training sessions are held for the Rollins School of Public Health’s (RSPH’s) Global Field Experience program and the Emory Global Health Institute’s (EGHI’s) Global Field Scholars program. The training is focused on work in low- and middle-income countries and covers a range of topics.

2019 Pre-Departure Training Workshop Recording (3 Hours)

RSPH and EGHI welcome participants from other programs to these training sessions. Please contact Alma Reynal Quintanilla for more information.